Everyone that IÕve spoken with almost without fail has been very excited about the project, said Timm Muth, project manager.

The plan is to use methane gas collected from the old county landfill near Dillsboro to fuel operations such as pottery studios, glassblowing, blacksmithing and metalwork, greenhouses, botanicals and wild herb processing, and other heat-intensive businesses. The project is modeled after the EnergyXchange Renewable Energy Center at the Mitchell-Yancey landfill, the first glass blowing and pottery-making operation in the world fueled by landfill gas.

However, where JacksonÕs project may differ is in the types of artists attracted to the affordable, high-energy heat source. Whereas the ExergyXchange hosts glassblowers, JacksonÕs project has drawn more attention from blacksmiths. The unexpected demand has led to an even greater focus on designing the site to specifically cater to its community.

We have to really clearly define what weÕre going to use those spaces for, Muth said. WeÕre really working hard to find the best use for the heat.

Plans for the first phase nclude heated greenhouses, something of particular interest to local farmer William Shelton.

One of the things that is prohibitive as far as greenhouse production is heating costs, Shelton said.

Currently Shelton Farms grows organic, hydroponic lettuce Ñ a cold weather crop Ñ in greenhouses in Whittier. The crop takes seven weeks to go from seedling to harvest. SheltonÕs seven greenhouses allow him to continually yield produce for market.

Retail buyers have indicated a desire for Shelton to add organic, hydroponic tomatoes to the farmÕs offerings Ñ a high-yield commercial variety and perhaps, given a controlled environment such as a methane-heated greenhouse, an heirloom varietal as well.

They said Name your price, we want itÕ, Shelton said.

With one methane-fueled greenhouse at the landfill site comparably sized to SheltonÕs 2,400-square-foot greenhouses at the farm, Shelton said he would be able to hire five or six employees.

Such methane uses would not only be lucrative for Shelton Farms, but also would lead to an investment in the community through economic development.

When it comes to agriculture, thatÕs just one viable alternative IÕve thrown out there, Shelton said.

Products from the landfill site could carry the same logo, from produce labels to an identifying seal on the bottom of pottery pieces, to let people nationwide know where it came from Ñ Jackson County.

Additional agricultural uses could incorporate landscaping with all 300 native plant species, as the N.C. Cooperative Extension requires certified plant technicians to be able to identify at least 150 of them. Greenhouse construction and upkeep could also become part of learning programs for students at area high schools and community colleges.

Approximately $1.4 million is available for construction of the siteÕs first phase, Muth said.

To contact Muth with input regarding the siteÕs development call 828.631.0271 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..